Orica-GreenEDGE decides not to chase in Tour

Orica-GreenEDGE took their foot off the gas in stage 15 of the Tour de France, reasoning there was too much work for too little gain.

Once the decisive break of six riders gained their advantage in the 158.5km stage from Samatan to Pau, a number of factors prompted team director Matt White to tell his men to not help drive the chase.

Brett Lancaster was suffering and would eventually pull out, it was probably the hottest day in the Tour so far and their man for the sprint, Matt Goss, was again not on his best form.

Also, two horrid days in the Pyrenees await after Tuesday's rest day.

The first Australian team to ride in the Tour have done a lot of work on flatter stages such as Monday's race as they chase an elusive first win.

While some fans queried the decision not to give chase, White said he had no regrets.

"From the questions and comments we're reading, we know most of you anticipated we would lead the chase," White said on the team website.

"We've done a hell of a lot of chasing during the first two weeks of this race (and) I didn't think expending the effort was necessary today.

"Gossy wasn't on the best of days and the guys are getting a little tired.

"I can't sacrifice them day in and day out – there's still a week left to race and they have some difficult mountains (ahead).

"It didn't make sense to have them do that much work."

White praised Lancaster, who was one of the main leadout men for Goss, and was confident the team could cover for him in the two remaining stages expected to feature sprint finishes.

"He contributed to the team effort while he was here ... I couldn't have asked any more from him," White said.

"We've been quite flexible - obviously Daryl Impey has been key to the leadouts, but we have options with Cookie (Baden Cooke) as well."